IRENA-2020借助可再生能源实现零排放（英文）-2020.9-216页_14mb

Summary of "Reaching Zero with Renewables: Eliminating CO₂ emissions from industry and transport in line with the 1.5°C climate goal"

Core Content

This report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) outlines a comprehensive strategy for achieving zero carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the most energy-intensive industrial and transport sectors by 2060, in alignment with the 1.5°C global warming limit set by the Paris Agreement. It highlights the critical role of renewable energy technologies and associated innovations in decarbonising these sectors, despite the challenges involved.

Main Points

• Climate Goal: Limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C requires all sectors to reach zero CO₂ emissions by the second half of this century.
• Focus on Key Sectors: The report identifies four energy-intensive industries (iron and steel, chemicals and petrochemicals, cement and lime, aluminium) and three key transport sectors (road freight, aviation, shipping) as the most difficult to decarbonise.
• Emission Projections: These seven sectors could account for 38% of energy and process-related CO₂ emissions and 43% of final energy use by 2050, unless major policy changes are implemented now.
• Renewables as a Solution: Renewable energy technologies, including electricity, heat, biofuels, green hydrogen, and e-fuels, are central to achieving zero emissions. They are now proven to be effective and affordable in all countries.
• Technological Pathways: A combination of five emission reduction measures—demand reduction, energy efficiency, renewable electricity, renewable heat and biofuels, and carbon-removal technologies—can lead to zero emissions in these sectors.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Renewables, along with demand reduction and energy efficiency, could account for over 80% of the required CO₂ emission reductions.
• Need for Immediate Action: Although some solutions are now viable, none are yet commercially mature. Scaling them requires addressing high costs, infrastructure gaps, and other challenges.
• Global Collaboration: The report calls for coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels to implement a renewables-based strategy for industry and transport.

Key Sectors and Their Challenges

Energy-Intensive Industrial Sectors

1. Iron and Steel

   • Accounts for significant CO₂ emissions.
   • Requires alternatives to conventional blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) technology, such as hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) and electric arc furnace (EAF) routes.
   • Challenges include high costs of new technologies and integration of renewable energy into existing processes.

2. Chemicals and Petrochemicals

   • Heavy reliance on fossil fuels for feedstock and energy.
   • Opportunities exist in renewable power-to-ammonia, bioplastics, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) or utilisation (CCU).
   • Need for innovation in feedstock use and process efficiency.

3. Cement and Lime

   • Major contributors to CO₂ emissions due to the chemical process of calcination.
   • Solutions include renewable electricity, green hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies.
   • The report highlights the potential for renewable-based energy use and circular economy strategies.

4. Aluminium

   • High energy demand and reliance on fossil fuels for electricity.
   • Transition to renewable energy and hydrogen-based smelting is necessary.
   • Challenges include the need for infrastructure and cost-effective scaling of new technologies.

Energy-Intensive Transport Sectors

1. Road Freight

   • A significant source of emissions, especially in heavy-duty transport.
   • Transition to battery electric trucks and renewable fuels is crucial.
   • Cost comparisons show that battery electric trucks may become more cost-effective over time.

2. Aviation

   • Requires sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and hydrogen-based propulsion.
   • Current technologies are not yet mature, but there is growing interest and investment in the sector.
   • The report notes the importance of global initiatives and carbon offsetting schemes.

3. Shipping

   • Needs to adopt renewable fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels.
   • The report emphasizes the importance of policy and investment in infrastructure and technology.

Key Strategies and Technologies

• Five Technology Pillars:

  1. Demand reduction and energy efficiency
  2. Renewable electricity
  3. Renewable heat and biofuels
  4. Green hydrogen and e-fuels
  5. Carbon-removal technologies

• Renewable Energy Carriers:

  • Renewable electricity (solar, wind, geothermal, ocean)
  • Green hydrogen
  • Biofuels
  • Synthetic fuels (e-fuels)

• Abatement Potential:

  • The report shows that renewable energy can provide at least half of the emission cuts needed in the seven toughest sectors.
  • Cost-effective measures vary by sector, but the overall trend indicates a viable path to zero emissions.

Recommendations

• Policy and Investment Focus: Governments and industry must prioritize the development and deployment of renewable-based solutions.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: A coordinated approach is needed to address the unique challenges of each sector.
• Research and Demonstration: Continued investment in R&D and pilot projects is essential to prove the viability of new technologies.
• Infrastructure Development: Enabling infrastructure, such as hydrogen networks and renewable energy grids, must be built ahead of demand.
• Global Partnerships: Initiatives like the "Clean Skies for Tomorrow" and "Getting to Zero" coalitions are important for driving progress.

Conclusion

The report concludes that while the path to zero emissions in industry and transport is complex, it is achievable with the right combination of policies, investments, and technologies. The declining costs of renewables and the increasing maturity of related technologies offer a credible and cost-effective route to decarbonisation. The urgency of climate action demands that these sectors be addressed immediately to meet the 1.5°C goal.